Labour backs far-reaching reforms

Labour's special conference has approved reforms to the party's structures,
including its historic link with unions

4:02PM GMT 02 Mar 2014

Far-reaching reforms that change Labour's historic links with trade unions were backed by 86 per cent to 14 per cent at a special conference yesterday.

Most speakers at the London meeting praised the changes to the party's structures that were put forward by Ed Milibandfollowing controversy over Unite's involvement in the selection of a Labour candidate in Falkirk last year.

The Labour leader insisted the biggest transfer of power in its history would help build a strong party that would help make the voices of working people "louder".

A defiant Len McCluskey said the changes would increase trade union involvement in the party and insisted Unite was "going nowhere".

Mr Miliband told unions, MPs and other delegates: "I am proud of our link with working people and with trade unions.